U.S. patent application number 10/183232 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-25 for cartridge housing for inhibiting damage to recording media.
Invention is credited to Kuhar, James Justin, Stamm, Stephen.
Application Number | 20030234307 10/183232 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29717930 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030234307 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kuhar, James Justin ; et
al. |
December 25, 2003 |
Cartridge housing for inhibiting damage to recording media
Abstract
A cartridge assembly (10) includes a cartridge (12) and a
cartridge retainer (14). The cartridge (12) includes a reel (22)
having a rotational axis (46) and a flange (48, 50). The cartridge
(12) also includes a cartridge housing (16) that rotatably secures
the reel (22). The cartridge housing includes one or more interior
surfaces (19, 21). The reel (22) is adapted to tilt relative to the
cartridge housing (16). The cartridge housing (16) includes a
plurality of ribs (30) each having a chamfer (72). The ribs (30)
can be disposed on an upper housing section (18) and/or a lower
housing section (20) of the cartridge housing (16). The reel (22)
has a contact tilt angle .theta..sub.1 relative to the interior
surface (19, 21), and at least one of the chamfers (72) has a
chamfer angle .theta..sub.2 relative to the interior surface (19,
21) that is substantially similar to the contact tilt angle
.theta..sub.1. The flange (48, 50) contacts the chamfer (72) so
that the flange (48, 50) is substantially parallel with the chamfer
(72). The cartridge (12) can also include a positioner rib (66) for
laterally positioning the reel (22). Further, a flange edge (56,
60) of the flange (48, 50) does not contact the cartridge housing
(16) when the reel (22) tilts. The cartridge assembly (10) includes
a reel positioner (36) that biases the reel (22) of the cartridge
(12) toward the upper housing section (18) of the cartridge housing
(16) while the cartridge (12) is retained within the cartridge
retainer (14).
Inventors: |
Kuhar, James Justin;
(Broomfield, CO) ; Stamm, Stephen; (Fort Lupton,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert A. Saltzberg
Morrison & Foerster LLP
425 Market Street
San Francisco
CA
94105-2482
US
|
Family ID: |
29717930 |
Appl. No.: |
10/183232 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/348 ;
G9B/23.016; G9B/23.053; G9B/23.077 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 23/044 20130101;
G11B 23/0233 20130101; G11B 23/107 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/348 |
International
Class: |
G11B 023/107 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A cartridge for use with a tape drive, the cartridge comprising:
a reel including a flange having a flange surface; and a cartridge
housing that rotatably secures the reel and allows the reel to
rotate about a rotational axis, the reel being adapted move between
a tilted position and an untilted position relative to the
cartridge housing, the cartridge housing including a rib having a
proximal contact point and a distal contact point, the proximal
contact point being positioned closer to the rotational axis than
the distal contact point, the flange surface contacting both
contact points when the reel moves to the tilted position.
2. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein the rib is substantially
radially positioned relative to the rotational axis.
3. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein a distance between the contact
points is greater than approximately 0.5 millimeters and less than
approximately 10 millimeters.
4. The cartridge of claim 1 further comprising a positioner rib
that is disposed on the cartridge housing, the positioner rib
extending toward the reel a greater distance than the rib so that
the reel contacts the positioner rib when the reel is biased toward
the cartridge housing in the untilted position.
5. The cartridge of claim 4 wherein the reel does not contact the
rib when the reel is biased toward the cartridge housing in the
untilted position.
6. The cartridge of claim 4 wherein the positioner rib is
substantially circular-shaped.
7. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein the cartridge housing includes
a plurality of ribs each having a proximal contact point and a
distal contact point, the proximal contact point being positioned
closer to the rotational axis than the distal contact point, the
flange surface contacting both contact points on at least one of
the ribs when the reel sufficiently tilts relative to the cartridge
housing.
8. The cartridge of claim 7 wherein each of the ribs is
substantially radially positioned relative to the rotational
axis.
9. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein the rib includes a chamfer, the
contact points being positioned on the chamfer.
10. The cartridge of claim 9 wherein the cartridge housing includes
an interior surface, the reel has a contact tilt angle relative to
the interior surface, and the chamfer has a chamfer angle relative
to the interior surface that is substantially similar to the
contact tilt angle.
11. The cartridge of claim 10 wherein the chamfer angle is greater
than approximately zero degrees and less than approximately 30
degrees.
12. The cartridge of claim 10 wherein the chamfer angle is greater
than approximately 1 degree and less than approximately 15
degrees.
13. The cartridge of claim 9 wherein the flange contacts the
chamfer upon sufficient tilting of the reel.
14. The cartridge of claim 9 wherein the chamfer has a chamfer
length that is greater than approximately 0.1 millimeters and less
than approximately 25 millimeters.
15. The cartridge of claim 9 wherein the chamfer has a chamfer
length that is greater than approximately 0.5 millimeters and less
than approximately 15 millimeters.
16. The cartridge of claim 9 wherein the chamfer has a chamfer
length that is greater than approximately 1.0 millimeters and less
than approximately 10 millimeters.
17. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein cartridge housing includes an
upper housing section, and wherein the rib is disposed on the upper
housing section.
18. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein cartridge housing includes a
lower housing section, and wherein the rib is disposed on the lower
housing section.
19. The cartridge of claim 18 wherein the cartridge housing
includes a plurality of ribs each having a proximal contact point
and a distal contact point, the proximal contact point on each rib
being positioned closer to the rotational axis than the distal
contact point on the corresponding rib, the flange surface
contacting both contact points on at least one of the ribs when the
reel sufficiently tilts relative to the cartridge housing, and
wherein the cartridge housing includes an upper housing section
that includes at least one of the ribs.
20. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein a length of the rib is less
than approximately 20 millimeters.
21. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein a length of the rib is less
than approximately 15 millimeters.
22. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein the flange includes a flange
edge positioned substantially at a perimeter of the flange, wherein
the flange edge does not contact the cartridge housing when the
flange surface contacts the contact points.
23. A cartridge assembly including a cartridge retainer and the
cartridge of claim 1, the cartridge housing including an upper
housing section, the cartridge assembly including a reel positioner
that selectively biases the reel toward the upper housing
section.
24. A cartridge assembly including a cartridge retainer and the
cartridge of claim 1, the cartridge retainer retaining the
cartridge while not being used by the drive, the cartridge housing
including an upper housing section, the cartridge retainer having a
reel positioner that biases the reel toward the upper housing
section of the cartridge housing while the cartridge is retained
within the cartridge retainer.
25. A cartridge drive assembly including a tape drive and the
cartridge of claim 1.
26. A tape library including a cartridge handler and the cartridge
drive assembly of claim 25.
27. A cartridge comprising: a cartridge housing including an
interior surface and a rib that is secured to the interior surface,
the rib including a chamfer having a chamfer angle relative to the
interior surface; and a reel that is rotatably secured to the
cartridge housing, the reel having a rotational axis, the reel
contacting the chamfer when the reel tilts at a contact tilt angle
relative to the interior surface.
28. The cartridge of claim 27 wherein the contact tilt angle is
substantially similar to the chamfer angle.
29. The cartridge of claim 28 wherein the reel includes a flange
that contacts the chamfer, the flange being substantially parallel
to the chamfer during contact with the chamfer.
30. The cartridge of claim 29 wherein the reel is adapted to tilt
relative to the cartridge housing, and wherein the flange includes
a flange edge positioned substantially at a perimeter of the
flange, wherein the flange edge does not contact the cartridge
housing when the flange surface contacts the chamfer.
31. The cartridge of claim 28 wherein the rib is substantially
radially positioned relative to the rotational axis.
32. The cartridge of claim 28 further comprising a positioner rib
that is disposed on the cartridge housing, the positioner rib
extending toward the reel a greater distance than the rib so that
the reel contacts the positioner rib when the reel is biased toward
the cartridge housing in an untilted position.
33. The cartridge of claim 28 wherein the chamfer angle is greater
than approximately zero degrees and less than approximately 30
degrees relative to the cartridge housing.
34. The cartridge of claim 28 wherein the chamfer has a chamfer
length that is greater than approximately 1.0 millimeters and less
than approximately 10 millimeters.
35. The cartridge of claim 28 wherein cartridge housing includes an
upper housing section, and wherein the rib is disposed on the upper
housing section.
36. The cartridge of claim 28 wherein cartridge housing includes a
lower housing section, and wherein the rib is disposed on the lower
housing section.
37. The cartridge of claim 36 wherein the cartridge housing
includes a plurality of ribs each having a chamfer with a chamfer
angle relative to the interior surface, the reel contacting at
least one of the ribs when the reel sufficiently tilts relative to
the cartridge housing, and wherein the cartridge housing includes
an upper housing section that includes at least one of the
ribs.
38. A cartridge assembly including a cartridge retainer and the
cartridge of claim 28, the cartridge retainer retaining the
cartridge while not being used by the drive, the cartridge housing
including an upper housing section, the cartridge retainer having a
reel positioner that biases the reel toward the upper housing
section of the cartridge housing while the cartridge is retained
within the cartridge retainer.
39. A cartridge retainer for retaining a cartridge having a
cartridge housing and a reel, the cartridge housing having an upper
housing section, the cartridge container comprising: a retainer
housing; and a reel positioner positioned within the retainer
housing, the reel positioner biasing the reel toward the upper
housing section when the cartridge is retained within the cartridge
retainer.
40. The cartridge retainer of claim 39 wherein the reel positioner
is secured to the retainer housing.
41. A cartridge assembly including a cartridge and the cartridge
retainer of claim 39.
42. A method of inhibiting damage to a cartridge that includes a
cartridge housing and a reel having a flange, the reel being
adapted to tilt within the cartridge housing upon a sufficient
shock to the cartridge, the method comprising the steps of:
positioning a rib having a chamfer within the cartridge housing so
that the flange contacts the chamfer upon tilting of the reel.
43. The method of claim 42 wherein the step of positioning a rib
includes positioning the chamfer so that the chamfer is
substantially parallel to the flange during contact between the
chamfer and the flange.
44. The method of claim 43 wherein the chamfer has a chamfer length
of at least approximately 1 millimeter.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to the field of media cartridges that
include a recording medium.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Magnetic tape cartridges have been used to conveniently and
efficiently store and handle magnetic recording media for tape
drives. One type of tape cartridge consists of a substantially
rectangular exterior cartridge housing and a single reel containing
a magnetic tape positioned within the housing. The cartridge
housing includes an upper housing section and a lower housing
section which substantially enclose the magnetic tape, which
includes a cartridge leader. The cartridge leader becomes exposed
through an opening in the cartridge housing during insertion of the
cartridge into the tape drive. The tape drive is then able to
engage and retrieve the tape from the cartridge for recording
and/or playback.
[0003] The reel includes a hub, one or more flanges and a plurality
of teeth that are exposed through an access opening in the lower
housing section. A drive clutch on the tape drive engages the teeth
in order to rotate the reel. Typically, a spring within the
cartridge housing biases the reel toward the lower housing section.
During engagement between the drive clutch and the teeth, the tape
drive exerts a force against the reel, urging the reel toward the
upper housing section, thereby partially compressing the spring to
promote a secure engagement between the drive clutch and the reel.
The tape drive then rotates the reel and guides the tape across a
data transducer that reads data from and/or writes data to the
tape. Although the reel can move generally longitudinally along the
rotational axis, the reel can also move somewhat axially relative
to the lower and upper housing sections to allow for drive
tolerances.
[0004] While movement of reel between upper housing section and
lower housing section is necessary during normal operation in a
tape drive, it has been found that such movement presents problems
during handling outside the tape drive. In particular, undesired
movement of reel may damage the magnetic tape which is wound
thereon. For example, if the cartridge is dropped or otherwise
severely jostled, axial or tilting movement of reel may result in
contact between the one or more flanges and the cartridge housing,
which can cause contact between one or more flanges of the reel and
the tape. In general the flanges can be relatively thin and can
deflect somewhat easily. Because the current design preference
among tape manufacturers is to develop tape that is thinner to
increase storage capacity, such tape is also more easily damaged.
Besides damage at the outside edge of the tape, winding phenomena
which results in the uneven or staggered wrap (i.e. packslip,
popped strand) of the tape onto the reel, also renders the tape
vulnerable to damage. For example, damage to the magnetic tape may
result in incorrect data reading and/or writing, or lost data by
the tape drive.
[0005] Accordingly, the need exists to provide a cartridge that
inhibits damage to the tape due to axial movement of the reel
within the cartridge housing. Further, the need exists to provide a
cost-effective, efficient method of manufacturing a media cartridge
that promotes increased accuracy in reading and writing by the tape
drive.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present invention is directed toward a cartridge
assembly that includes a cartridge and a cartridge retainer. The
cartridge includes a cartridge housing and a reel having a flange
with a flange surface. The housing rotatably secures the reel and
allows the reel to rotate about a rotational axis. The reel is
adapted to tilt relative to the cartridge housing. The cartridge
housing includes a rib having a proximal contact point and a distal
contact point. The proximal contact point is positioned closer to
the rotational axis than the distal contact point, and the flange
surface contacts both contact points when the reel sufficiently
tilts relative to the cartridge housing.
[0007] The rib can also include a chamfer. In certain embodiments,
the reel has a contact tilt angle relative to the cartridge
housing, and the chamfer has a chamfer angle relative to the
cartridge housing that is substantially similar to the contact tilt
angle. Upon sufficient tilting of the reel, the flange contacts the
chamfer so that the flange is substantially parallel with the
chamfer.
[0008] Further, the rib can be radially positioned relative to the
rotational axis. The cartridge can also include a positioner rib
that is disposed on the cartridge housing. Additionally, the reel
can include a central aperture so that the positioner rib at least
partially extends into the central aperture for laterally
positioning the reel relative to the cartridge housing. The
positioner rib can be substantially circular-shaped or disc-shaped
as examples.
[0009] In another embodiment, the cartridge housing includes a
plurality of ribs each having a proximal contact point and a distal
contact point. The flange surface contacts both contact points
substantially simultaneously on at least one of the ribs when the
reel sufficiently tilts relative to the cartridge housing. The rib
can be disposed on an upper housing section, a lower housing
section or both sections of the cartridge housing. Additionally,
the flange includes a flange edge positioned at approximately a
perimeter of the flange. In this embodiment, the flange edge does
not contact the cartridge housing when the reel tilts relative to
the cartridge housing.
[0010] The cartridge retainer retains the cartridge while the
cartridge is not being used by a drive. The cartridge retainer
includes a reel positioner that biases the reel of the cartridge
toward the upper housing section of the cartridge housing while the
cartridge is retained within the cartridge retainer. With this
design, the reel is less susceptible to unwanted movement within
the cartridge housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is an exploded top perspective view of a cartridge
assembly having features of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the
cartridge assembly in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a top view of a tape cartridge having features of
the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
tape cartridge taken on line 4-4 in FIG. 3;
[0015] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the tape cartridge
taken on line 4-4 in FIG. 3 with a tilted reel;
[0016] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the tape cartridge taken on
line 5-5 in FIG. 4B including portions of a flange and a rib;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the flange and
the rib illustrated in FIG. 5;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the tape cartridge taken on
line 7-7 in FIG. 4B including portions of a flange and a rib;
[0019] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the flange and
the rib illustrated in FIG. 7;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a top view of the cartridge retainer and cartridge
assembly having features of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view taken on line 10-10 in
FIG. 9;
[0022] FIG. 10B is an enlarged detail view taken on dashed line
10B-10B in FIG. 10A; and
[0023] FIG. 11 is a top view of a tape drive having features of the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION
[0024] The description below pertains to several possible
embodiments of the invention. It is understood that many variations
of the systems and methods described herein may be envisioned by
one skilled in the art, and such variations and improvements are
intended to fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly,
the invention is not to be limited in any way by the following
disclosure of certain illustrative embodiments.
[0025] The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to durable
tape cartridges. Particularly, the cartridges described herein are
more resistant to damage or breakage when dropped, and generate
less debris by being more resistant to wear during normal use. For
purposes of clarity, the tape cartridges described herein will be
described as cartridges for holding a length of tape, such as a
length of recording tape for storing computer data, video data,
analog signals or any other type of information that can be stored
on a tape. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill
in the art that the cartridges can be employed for other
applications.
[0026] FIG. 1 depicts an exploded top perspective view of a
cartridge assembly 10 including a cartridge 12 and a cartridge
retainer 14. The cartridge 12 is adapted for use with a tape drive
13 (illustrated in FIG. 11) which may or may not be used in a tape
library (not shown). The design of the cartridge 12 and the
components of the cartridge 12 can be varied. In FIG. 1, the
cartridge 12 includes a cartridge housing 16 having an upper
housing section 18 that includes an upper interior surface 19
(shown in FIG. 2), a lower housing section 20 that includes a lower
interior surface 21, a reel 22, a tape 24 wound around the reel 22,
a exerter 26 and a door 28. The cartridge housing 16 also includes
one or more spaced apart ribs 30 that inhibit damage to the reel 22
and the tape 24. The cartridge retainer 14 includes a retainer top
32, a retainer bottom 34 and a reel positioner 36.
[0027] The cartridge housing 16 rotatably secures and protects the
reel 22 and the tape 24 from damage. The design of the cartridge
housing 16 can vary depending upon the design requirements of the
cartridge 12 and the reel 22. The cartridge housing 16 can be
formed from any suitably strong material that inhibits damage upon
an impact to the cartridge 12. For example, materials that are
substantially free of glass fibers can be used to form the
cartridge housing 16. Suitable materials include metal, plastic,
rubber, ceramics, and composites thereof. A particular example of a
plastic commonly used for forming cartridge housings 16 is
polycarbonate. Use of a material lacking these glass fibers can not
only strengthen the plastic with respect to impact, but can make
the material more resistant to the wear encountered during normal
use of the cartridge 12. Furthermore, use of a material
substantially free of glass fibers increases the life of the molds
used to manufacture the cartridge housings 16. Increasing the life
of the molds reduces the cost of manufacturing such cartridge
housings 16.
[0028] The cartridge housing 16 may be of any shape or dimension
which permits a reel 22 to be contained therein, and which allows
the cartridge 12 to appropriately fit into the tape drive. The
cartridge housing 16 shown in FIG. 1 is box-shaped and contains the
reel 22, although other shapes, including disc-shaped, elliptical,
square, and triangular cartridge housings 16, which may contain one
or more reels 22, are contemplated and encompassed by this
invention.
[0029] Additionally, the cartridge housing 16 can include one or
more interior walls 38 for additional strength and rigidity of the
cartridge housing 16. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the
interior walls 38 are shown on the lower housing section 20. As
used herein, the interior walls 38 have a height dimension that is
substantially greater than a width dimension. For example, the
interior walls 38 can extend the entire distance between the upper
interior surface 19 of the upper housing section 18 and the lower
interior surface 21 of the lower housing section 20. Alternatively,
the interior walls 38 can partially extend between the upper
housing section 18 and the lower housing section 20. The interior
walls 38 may have a semi-circular contour as shown in FIG. 1, or
they may optionally be elliptical, curved, straight, or square in
contour. They may be composed of the same material as the cartridge
housing 16 and may be of any thickness that provides the desired
strength. Further, the interior walls 38 can be formed integrally
with the cartridge housing 16, or can be separate structures that
are attached to the cartridge housing 16.
[0030] The lower housing section 20 includes a plurality of lower
side walls 40 that extend from the lower interior surface 21.
Further, the lower housing section 20 of the cartridge housing 16
illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a central aperture 42. The central
aperture 42 allows for the engagement of an external mechanism 43
(illustrated in FIG. 11) to cause rotation of the reel 22. The
external mechanism 43 can be part of the tape drive 13, for
example. Although the central aperture 42 is illustrated on the
lower housing section 20, the central aperture 42 can alternatively
be positioned in the upper housing section 18 of the cartridge
housing 16.
[0031] The lower housing section 20 may further include one or more
screw posts 44 for coupling the lower housing section 20 with the
upper housing section 18. Other methods of coupling the lower
housing section 20 with the upper housing section 18 will be known
to those of skill in the art, and do not depart from the spirit of
the systems and methods disclosed herein.
[0032] The reel 22 is rotatably mounted within the cartridge
housing 16. The reel 22 rotates about a rotational axis 46 during
winding or unwinding of the tape 24. The design of the reel 22 can
be varied to suit the design requirements of the cartridge 12. The
reel 22 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a hub 47, an upper flange
48, a lower flange 50 and a reel recess 52. The upper flange 48
includes an upper flange surface 54 and an upper flange edge 56,
and the lower flange 50 includes a lower flange surface 58 (shown
in FIG. 2) and a lower flange edge 60. The lower flange 50 can be
formed from materials such as plastic, metal or ceramic, as
examples. Alternately, other relatively lightweight materials can
be utilized in forming the lower flange 50.
[0033] The reel 22 may be of any geometry that permits the reel 22
to hold a length of tape 24. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of
flange teeth 62 may be disposed along the upper flange edge 56 of
the reel 22. Each flange tooth 62 mounted to the reel 22 can be
wider at its root to strengthen the flange tooth 62 and thereby
reduce or prevent possible shearing of the flange tooth 62 from the
reel 22. Alternatively, each flange tooth 62 can have a different
configuration. Because the upper flange 48 often includes the
flange teeth 62, the upper flange 48 can be formed from materials
that are somewhat more rigid and robust than the materials used to
form the lower flange 50. For example, the materials used for the
upper flange 48 can be similar to those used in forming the
cartridge housing 16. Alternatively, the upper flange 48 can be
formed from different plastics, metals, ceramics or other suitably
strong materials.
[0034] The tape 24 is wound around the hub 47 of the reel 22, and
can be unwound and/or rewound by the tape drive 13 during reading
from and writing to the tape 24. The dimensions of the tape 24 can
vary. For example, the tape 24 can have a tape width of
approximately one-half inch. Alternately, the tape 24 can have a
tape width of between approximately four millimeters and twelve
millimeters. The tape 24 can also be wider than one-half inch.
Thicknesses of the tape 24 of approximately one-half mil are
relatively common, although slightly thinner or thicker tape 24 can
be used. In general, thinner tape 24 tends to be less rigid than
thicker tape 24, which can lead to decreased control over movement
of the tape 24.
[0035] The exerter 26 exerts a force to bias the reel 22 toward the
lower housing section 20 of the cartridge housing 16. Further, the
exerter 26 can bias the reel 22 so that the lower flange surface 58
is substantially parallel to the lower interior surface 21 of the
lower housing section 20. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1,
the exerter 26 is a spring. One end of the spring can rest against
the upper housing section 18 of the cartridge housing 16. The other
end of the spring can be set against the reel 22. Any sufficiently
resilient material can be used for the exerter 26. Alternatively,
other means of biasing the reel 22 against the lower housing
section 20 which are known to those skilled in the art can be
utilized with the present invention.
[0036] Additionally, the cartridge housing 16 includes one or more
ribs 30. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the lower housing
section 20 includes a plurality of spaced apart ribs 30 that are
radially disposed from near the central aperture 42 on the lower
interior surface 21 of the lower housing section 20. In an
alternate embodiment, the ribs 30 can be positioned non-radially.
For instance, the ribs 30 can be in a substantially diagonal,
spiral, criss-cross, or arc-shaped orientation, as non-exclusive
examples. The design of the ribs 30 can be varied to suit the
design requirements of the cartridge housing 16 and the reel 22. In
this embodiment, the ribs 30 are positioned so that the reel 22
does not contact the lower interior surface 21 of the lower housing
section 20 during tilting of the reel 22. Instead, the reel 22
contacts one or more of the ribs 30, which due to their design,
inhibit damage to the reel 22 and the tape 24 as provided in
greater detail below.
[0037] Further, the dimensions of each rib 30 can vary. Each rib 30
can extend from near the central aperture 42 to near one of the
lower side walls 40, or they may extend only a portion of that
distance. For example, in one embodiment, the length of the ribs 30
disposed on the lower housing section 20 is less than approximately
20 millimeters. In another embodiment, the length of the ribs 30
disposed on the lower housing section 20 is less than approximately
20 millimeters and greater than approximately 5 millimeters. In
still another embodiment, the length of the ribs 30 disposed on the
lower housing section 20 is less than approximately 16 millimeters
and greater than approximately 8 millimeters. The ribs 30 of the
lower housing section 20 may extend from the central aperture 42
toward an interior wall 38 or toward a lower side wall 40. Each rib
30 can have a height relative to the interior surfaces 19, 21 of
the cartridge housing 16 which is approximately 0.04 inches, for
example. In alternate embodiments, the height of each rib 30 can be
greater or lesser than 0.04 inches.
[0038] The cartridge retainer 14 is used to retain and protect one
of the cartridges 12 during periods of non-use, i.e. during storage
or transport. The design of the cartridge retainer 14 can vary
depending upon the requirements of the cartridge 12. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the cartridge retainer 14
includes the retainer top 32, the attached retainer bottom 34, and
the reel positioner 36 that is secured to the retainer bottom 34.
The retainer top 32 and the retainer bottom 34 can alternatively be
two separate structures that fit together to enclose the cartridge
12. The retainer top 32 and the retainer bottom 34 can be formed
from materials that will sufficiently absorb a substantial shock to
the cartridge retainer 14. Such materials can include various
plastics, metals, rubbers, or any other suitable materials.
[0039] The reel positioner 36 exerts a force against the reel 22 of
the cartridge 12, through the central aperture 42 when the
cartridge retainer 14 is closed. This force causes the reel 22 to
move toward the upper housing section 18 of the cartridge housing
16. In one embodiment, the reel 22 is biased completely against the
upper housing section 18 and/or the structures that are secured to
the upper housing section 18. Stated another way, the reel
positioner 36 causes the upper flange 48 of the reel 22 to rest
against the upper housing section 18 and/or the structures that are
secured to the upper housing section 18, thereby enhancing the
stability of the reel 22 within the cartridge housing 16. With this
design, tilting of the reel 22 is inhibited during storage and
transport, which can include during shocks to the cartridge 12.
[0040] The reel positioner 36 can be circular, square, triangular
or in any other shape that exerts a force on the reel 22 to bias
the reel 22 toward the upper housing section 18 of the cartridge
housing 16. In addition, the reel positioner 36 can have a solid
configuration or can be ring-shaped, as non-exclusive examples. The
reel positioner 36 can be formed from a rigid material in order to
exert the appropriate force on the reel 22. Materials such as
plastic, epoxy, metal, ceramic or other suitable materials can be
utilized with the present invention. Further, the reel positioner
36 can be integrally formed with the retainer bottom 34, or can be
a separate structure that is secured to the retainer bottom 34. In
an alternate embodiment, the reel positioner is integrally formed
with or is secured to the retainer top. In yet an alternate
embodiment, the reel positioner is formed as part of the reel, and
can be secured to the cartridge housing, for example.
[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the
cartridge assembly 10, including the upper housing section 18, the
lower housing section 20, the reel 22 and the cartridge retainer
14. The hub 47 of the reel 22 includes a plurality of hub teeth 63
that engage with the tape drive 13 during rotation of the reel
22.
[0042] In this embodiment, the upper housing section 18 of the
cartridge housing 16 includes an axle mount 64 and one or more
positioner ribs 66. The axle mount 64 is provided for mounting the
reel 22 within the cartridge housing 16. The axle mount 64 provides
a support upon which the reel 22 may rotate. The design of the axle
mount 64 can vary. The axle mount 64 can be any structure which
supports the reel 22 and allows it to rotate. Although the axle
mount 64 in FIG. 2 is illustrated on the upper housing section 18,
the axle mount 64 can alternatively be positioned on the lower
housing section 20 of the cartridge housing 16.
[0043] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the positioner rib
66 extends from the upper housing section 18 of the cartridge
housing 16 into the reel recess 52 (shown in FIG. 1) when the reel
22 is biased toward the upper housing section 18, i.e. during
engagement between the reel 22 and the tape drive (not shown). The
positioner rib 66 illustrated in FIG. 2 is substantially circular.
However, other suitable configurations of the positioner rib 66 can
be incorporated into the present invention. In one embodiment, the
positioner rib 66 intersects at least one of the ribs 30 disposed
on the upper housing section 18 of the cartridge housing 16. The
positioner rib 66 can also provide additional rigidity to the
cartridge 12, and can provide added support to the reel 22 during
engagement with the tape drive.
[0044] In FIG. 2, the door 28 is coupled to the upper housing
section 18 of the cartridge housing 16 by a hinge 68. The hinge 68
may be of any design which allows the door 28 to controllably cover
and uncover an opening in the cartridge housing 16 to allow the
tape 24 to be transferred between a tape drive and the reel 22. The
door 28 may be formed from any suitably strong materials and can be
reinforced with a stiffener 70 disposed laterally along the surface
of the door 28, although more than one stiffener 70 will provide
additional reinforcement. The dimensions of the stiffeners 70 can
vary, i.e. the stiffeners 70 may be disposed along the entire
length of the door 28, or along only a portion of the length of the
door 28. Moreover, the door 28 can be any suitable shape, such as
rectangular, circular, oval, triangular, etc., that permits for
controllably covering and uncovering an opening in the cartridge
housing 16 through which the tape 24 travels during use with a tape
drive (not shown).
[0045] The upper housing section 18 can include a plurality of
interior walls 38 that extend from the upper interior surface 19.
Additionally, the upper housing section 18 can include one or more
ribs 30. The design of the ribs 30 can be varied to suit the design
requirements of the cartridge housing 16 and the reel 22. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the ribs 30 are radially disposed
from near the axle mount 64 on the upper interior surface 19 of the
upper housing section 18. In this embodiment, the ribs 30 are
positioned so that the reel 22 does not contact the upper interior
surface 19 of the upper housing section 18 during tilting of the
reel 22. Instead, the reel 22 can contact one or more of the ribs
30, which due to their design, prevent damage to the reel 22 and
the tape 24 as provided hereinbelow.
[0046] The ribs 30 disposed on the lower housing section 20 and/or
the upper housing section 18 may be formed from the material of the
cartridge housing 16, or may be formed separately and coupled to
one or more of the interior surfaces 19, 21 (only the upper
interior surface 19 is shown in FIG. 2). Portions of the rib 30 may
protrude from the interior surfaces 19, 21 by differing amounts, or
by the same amount. These ribs 30, which may be composed of the
same material as the cartridge housing 16, stiffen and reinforce
the structure of the cartridge housing 16. There should be at least
one rib 30, although there may be as many ribs 30 as may be
disposed on the interior surfaces 19, 21 of the cartridge housing
16. The ribs 30 may be spaced evenly or unevenly about the
cartridge housing 16, and optionally are disposed such that not all
ribs 30 are radial. The ribs 30 need not be straight, but may be
curved, circular, angular, or any other shape. The ribs 30 do not
protrude into the cartridge housing 16 so much as to impede the
rotation of the reel 22, but may be raised enough to provide the
desired structural reinforcement.
[0047] Further, the length and width of each rib 30 disposed on the
upper housing section 18 can vary. Each rib 30 can extend from near
the center of the cartridge housing 16 to near one of the upper
side walls 41, or they may extend only a portion of that distance.
In one embodiment, the length of the ribs 30 disposed on the upper
housing section 18 is less than approximately 25 millimeters. In
another embodiment, the length of the ribs 30 disposed on the upper
housing section 18 is less than approximately 22 millimeters and
greater than approximately 5 millimeters. In still another
embodiment, the length of the ribs 30 disposed on the upper housing
section 18 is less than approximately 20 millimeters and greater
than approximately 10 millimeters. As shown in FIG. 2, the ribs 30
disposed on the upper housing section 18 may extend from the
positioner rib 66 in a radial direction toward one or more of the
upper side walls 41, or toward one or more of the interior walls
38.
[0048] The various components described in detail above may all be
produced in molds using manufacturing techniques well known in the
art. The individual parts may then be assembled and fastened
together as needed, according to procedures well known to those of
skill in the art.
[0049] FIG. 3 is a top view of a cartridge 12. FIGS. 4A and 4B
illustrate cross-sectional views of the cartridge 12 in FIG. 3.
FIG. 4A shows the reel 22 of the cartridge 12 in a resting position
with no forces being imparted on the reel 22 to move the reel 22
toward the upper housing section 18. The exerter 26 is biasing the
reel 22 toward the lower housing section 20. Thus, the upper flange
surface 54 of the reel 22 is not contacting the ribs 30 that are
disposed on the upper housing section 18.
[0050] FIG. 4B illustrates the cartridge 12 including the cartridge
housing 16 having the central aperture 42, and the reel 22 in a
tilted orientation relative to the cartridge housing 16. This
orientation can occur if the cartridge 12 is dropped or otherwise
shocked. The reel 22 illustrated in FIG. 4B includes the central
aperture 42 In this embodiment, the lower flange surface 58 of the
reel 22 is contacting at least one of the ribs 30 that is disposed
on the lower housing section 20 of the cartridge housing 16. As
illustrated in FIG. 4B, the contact between the ribs 30 and the
lower flange surface 58 occurs away from the lower flange edge 60,
and occurs where the lower flange 50 is more rigid. In addition,
the upper flange surface 54 is contacting at least one of the ribs
30 that is disposed on the upper housing section 18 of the
cartridge housing 16. Similarly, the contact between the ribs 30
and the upper flange surface 54 occurs away from the upper flange
edge 56, and occurs where the upper flange 48 is more rigid. With
this design, this contact is less likely to deflect the flanges 48,
50 and cause damage to the tape. Stated another way, the contact
between the rib 30 and the flanges 48, 50 does not occur toward the
flange edges 56, 60.
[0051] In this embodiment, the reel 22 is also permitted to move
vertically, substantially along the rotational axis 46 within the
cartridge housing 16. During engagement between the reel 22 and a
tape drive 13 (illustrated in FIG. 11), the reel 22 can also
inherently tilt relative to the cartridge housing 16.
[0052] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cartridge 12
illustrated in FIG. 4B. In this embodiment, the rib 30 that is
disposed on the lower housing section 20 of the cartridge housing
16 includes a beveled region, referred to herein as a chamfer 72.
In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of ribs 30
disposed on the lower housing section 20 includes a chamfer 72. In
another embodiment, each of the plurality of ribs 30 disposed on
the lower housing section 20 includes a chamfer 72. Each chamfer 72
can include at least two contact points, including a first contact
point 74A and a second contact point 74B, that contact the lower
flange surface 58 of the reel 22, away from the lower flange edge
60, upon sufficient tilting of the reel 22. The contact points 74A,
74B are positioned so that the first contact point 74A is closer to
the central aperture 42 (shown in FIG. 4B) than the second contact
point 74B. Stated another way, the first contact point 74A can be
referred to as a proximal contact point 74A, and the second contact
point 74B can be referred to as a distal contact point 74B. The
contact points 74A, 74B can be immediately adjacent to each other,
or can be separated by a certain distance. Further, the topography
of the rib 30 between the contact points 74A, 74B can vary. For
example, the section of the rib between the contact points 74A, 74B
can be linear or non-linear. Importantly, either contact point 74A,
74B can be the first contact point or the second contact point.
[0053] In one embodiment, the contact points 74A, 74B on the ribs
30 that are disposed on the lower housing section 20 are greater
than approximately 0.1 millimeter apart and less than approximately
25 millimeters apart. In another embodiment, the contact points
74A, 74B are greater than approximately 0.5 millimeter apart and
less than approximately 10 millimeters apart. In still another
embodiment, the contact points 74A, 74B are greater than
approximately 1 millimeter apart and less than approximately 5
millimeters apart.
[0054] Further, the contact points 74A, 74B can be part of a
continuous, substantially flat, angled surface of the rib 30. In
other words, the chamfer 72 can include a plurality of continuous
contact points 74A, 74B that form a substantially flat, albeit
angled, surface relative to the lower interior surface 21.
Alternatively, the contact points 74A, 74B can basically be the
tops of peaks disposed on the surface of the chamfer 72.
[0055] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the rib 30 and
the lower flange 50 illustrated in FIG. 5. Each cartridge 12 has a
contact tilt angle .theta..sub.1 that is formed between the lower
flange 50 and the lower interior surface 21 of the lower housing
section 20. That is, tilting or axial movement of the reel 22
occurs until lower flange surface 58 of the flange 50 contacts at
least one of the ribs 30 disposed on the lower interior surface 21
of the cartridge housing 16. The contact tilt angle .theta..sub.1
can vary. In one embodiment, the contact tilt angle .theta..sub.1
can be between zero degrees and 30 degrees. Alternatively, the
contact tilt angle .theta..sub.1 can be greater than 30
degrees.
[0056] In this embodiment, the chamfer 72 has a chamfer angle
.theta..sub.2 relative to the lower interior surface 21 that is
substantially similar to the contact tilt angle .theta..sub.1 of
the reel 22. With this design, the lower flange surface 58 contacts
substantially the entire length of the chamfer 72 when the reel 22
sufficiently tilts to the contact tilt angle .theta..sub.1. As a
result, the force of the contact between the lower flange 50 and
the rib 30 is distributed over the surface of the chamfer 72 and a
corresponding portion of the lower flange surface 58, which is away
from the lower flange edge 60. Thus, because the force on the lower
flange 50 due to contact with the rib 30 is spread over an area of
the lower flange surface 58 rather than concentrated on a single
point near the lower flange edge 60, the lower flange 50 and the
tape 24 (not shown in FIG. 6) are less likely to become damaged
upon shock to the cartridge 12.
[0057] Alternatively, the chamfer angle .theta..sub.2 of the ribs
30 disposed on the lower housing section 20 of the cartridge
housing 16 can be somewhat greater or lesser than the contact tilt
angle .theta..sub.1 of the reel 22. For example, in one embodiment,
the chamfer angle .theta..sub.2 is greater than approximately 20
percent of the contact tilt angle .theta..sub.1 and less than
approximately 200 percent of the contact tilt angle .theta..sub.1.
In another embodiment, the chamfer angle .theta..sub.2 is greater
than approximately 50 percent of the contact tilt angle
.theta..sub.1 and less than approximately 150 percent of the
contact tilt angle .theta..sub.1. In still another embodiment, the
chamfer angle .theta..sub.2 is greater than approximately 75
percent of the contact tilt angle .theta..sub.1 and less than
approximately 125 percent of the contact tilt angle .theta..sub.1.
In yet another embodiment, the chamfer angle .theta..sub.2 is
greater than approximately 90 percent of the contact tilt angle
.theta..sub.1 and less than approximately 110 percent of the
contact tilt angle .theta..sub.1.
[0058] Further, in one embodiment, the chamfer 72 has a chamfer
angle .theta..sub.2 relative to the lower interior surface 21 that
is greater than zero degrees and less than approximately 60
degrees. In another embodiment, the chamfer angle .theta..sub.2 is
greater than zero degrees and less than approximately 30 degrees.
In still another embodiment, the chamfer angle .theta..sub.2 is
greater than approximately 1 degree and less than approximately 15
degrees.
[0059] Additionally, in one embodiment, the chamfer has a chamfer
length 78 that is greater than approximately 0.1 millimeter and
less than approximately 25 millimeters. In another embodiment, the
chamfer length 78 is greater than approximately 0.5 millimeter and
less than approximately 10 millimeters. In still another
embodiment, the chamfer length 78 is greater than approximately 1
millimeter and less than approximately 5 millimeters.
[0060] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cartridge 12
illustrated in FIG. 4B, including the upper flange 48 and one of
the ribs 30 that is disposed on the upper housing section 18 of the
cartridge housing 16. In this embodiment, the ribs 30 (only one rib
30 is shown) that are disposed on the upper housing section 18 each
include a chamfer 72. In one embodiment, at least one of the
plurality of ribs 30 disposed on the upper housing section 18
includes a chamfer 72. Each chamfer 72 can include at least two
spaced apart contact points, including a first contact point 76A
and a second contact point 76B, that contact the upper flange
surface 54 of the reel 22 upon sufficient tilting of the reel 22.
The upper flange surface 54 only contacts the chamfer 72 during
tilting of the reel 22, and does not contact the upper interior
surface 19. The contact points 76A, 76B are positioned so that the
first contact point 76A is closer to the axle mount 64 (shown in
FIG. 4B) than the second contact point 76B. Stated another way, the
first contact point 76A can be referred to as a proximal contact
point 76A, and the second contact point 76B can be referred to as a
distal contact point 76B. Importantly, either contact point 76A,
76B can be the first contact point or the second contact point.
[0061] In one embodiment, the contact points 76A, 76B on the ribs
30 are greater than approximately 0.1 millimeter apart and less
than approximately 25 millimeters apart. In another embodiment, the
contact points 76A, 76B are greater than approximately 0.5
millimeter apart and less than approximately 10 millimeters apart.
In still another embodiment, the contact points 76A, 76B are
greater than approximately 1 millimeter apart and less than
approximately 5 millimeters apart.
[0062] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the rib 30 and
the upper flange 48 illustrated in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the
chamfer 72 has a chamfer angle .theta..sub.3 relative to the upper
interior surface 19 that is substantially similar to the contact
tilt angle .theta..sub.0 of the reel 22. With this design, the
upper flange surface 54 contacts substantially the entire length of
the chamfer 72 when the reel 22 sufficiently tilts to the contact
tilt angle .theta..sub.1. As a result, the force of the contact
between the upper flange 48 and the rib(s) 30 is distributed over
the surface of the chamfer 72 and a corresponding portion of the
upper flange surface 54. Thus, because the force on the upper
flange 48 due to contact with the ribs 30 is spread over an area of
the upper flange surface 54 rather than concentrated on a single
point near the upper flange edge 56, the upper flange 48 and the
tape 24 (not shown in FIG. 8) are less likely to become damaged
upon shock to the cartridge 12.
[0063] Alternatively, the chamfer angle .theta..sub.3 of the ribs
30 can be somewhat greater or lesser than the contact tilt angle
.theta..sub.1 of the reel 22. For example, in one embodiment, the
chamfer angle .theta..sub.3 is greater than approximately 20
percent of the contact tilt angle .theta..sub.1 and less than
approximately 200 percent of the contact tilt angle .theta..sub.1.
In another embodiment, the chamfer angle .theta..sub.3 is greater
than approximately 50 percent of the contact tilt angle
.theta..sub.1 and less than approximately 150 percent of the
contact tilt angle .theta..sub.1. In still another embodiment, the
chamfer angle .theta..sub.3 is greater than approximately 75
percent of the contact tilt angle .theta..sub.1 and less than
approximately 125 percent of the contact tilt angle .theta..sub.1.
In yet another embodiment, the chamfer angle .theta..sub.3 is
greater than approximately 90 percent of the contact tilt angle
.theta..sub.1 and less than approximately 110 percent of the
contact tilt angle .theta..sub.1.
[0064] Additionally, in one embodiment, the chamfer 72 has a
chamfer angle .theta..sub.3 relative to the upper interior surface
19 that is greater than zero degrees and less than approximately 60
degrees. In another embodiment, the chamfer angle .theta..sub.3 is
greater than zero degrees and less than approximately 30 degrees.
In still another embodiment, the chamfer angle .theta..sub.3 is
greater than approximately 1 degree and less than approximately 15
degrees.
[0065] Moreover, in one embodiment, a chamfer length 80 of the
chamfer 72 is greater than approximately 0.1 millimeter and less
than approximately 25 millimeters. In another embodiment, the
chamfer length 80 is greater than approximately 0.5 millimeter and
less than approximately 10 millimeters. In still another
embodiment, the chamfer length 80 is greater than approximately 1
millimeter and less than approximately 5 millimeters.
[0066] FIG. 9 is a top view of the cartridge retainer 14 in a
closed position. In this embodiment, the cartridge retainer 14 is
retaining a cartridge 12 (illustrated in FIG. 10).
[0067] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge retainer
14 and the cartridge 12. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the reel
positioner 36 of the cartridge retainer 14 exerts a force on the
reel 22 in a direction toward the upper housing section 18 when the
cartridge 12 is retained within the cartridge retainer 14 in the
closed position.
[0068] FIG. 10B is an enlarged view of a portion of the cartridge
12 in FIG. 10A. In this embodiment, the reel positioner 36 biases
the upper flange surface 54 of the reel 22 against the positioner
rib 66 disposed onto the upper housing section 18. In this
position, the upper flange surfaces 54 of the reel 22 have a
clearance, e.g. do not make contact with the ribs 30 disposed on
the upper housing section 18, thereby reducing the likelihood of
damage to the reel 22 and the tape 24 (not illustrated in FIG.
10B). Moreover, the positioning of the positioner rib 66 can be
substantially in line with the hub 47 of the reel 22. In this
embodiment, the positioner rib 66 can accept a substantially
vertical load from the reel 22. With this design, the reel 22 and
the tape 24 are less susceptible to damage due to a shock to the
cartridge 12.
[0069] FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of a tape drive 13 which
can be used in combination with the cartridge 12. A detailed
description of various components of the tape drive 13 is provided
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,371,638, issued to Saliba, and assigned to
Quantum Corporation, the Assignee of the present invention. The
contents of U.S. Pat. No. 5,371,638 are incorporated herein by
reference. However, the cartridge 12 could be designed for and used
with another type of tape drive 13.
[0070] While the particular cartridge 12 and cartridge assembly 10
as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of
obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before
stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of
the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no
limitations are intended to the details of construction or design
herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.
* * * * *